Roadrunners bounce back from tough road stretch, pick up first win over Incarnate Word

Home sweet home. 

After opening the season winless on the West Coast against UNLV and San Diego State, UTSA women’s basketball returned home to face Incarnate Word. 

The Cardinals began their season with an upset win over Tulsa, but the Roadrunners weren’t letting them move to 2-0 against the American Conference.

“I’m sure that that got our attention,” UTSA coach Karen Aston said. “Tulsa is a really good team. UIW is good. They’re much improved. [Incarnate Word coach Jhasmin Player] had done a great job with them, as I expected her to.” 

Powered by 15-point performances from Adriana Robles and Kierra Merchant, UTSA rolled past Incarnate Word 73-51 for its first win of the season Wednesday at the Convocation Center. 

“It’s good to be back home,” Aston said. “Honestly, the West Coast trip was really tough. And those were two really good teams. In particular, they’re really good defensive teams. But UIW is a good team. And I just think that we were a lot more intentional with the way we played. 

“The shots went in because we took better shots. We were more patient, moved the ball better and played a little more inside-out than we have been.” 

Idara Udo and Robles lifted UTSA to a 9-3 start as Udo hit 3 of 4 from the field and Robles went 2 of 2 from the field, including a three. 

Trailing 22-14 heading into the second quarter, Incarnate Word guard Kayanna Cox posted six points in eight minutes, helping the Cardinals cut its deficit six points at the half.

Merchant came alive in the third quarter, picking up five points as UTSA outscored Incarnate Word 24-14. 

“I just had fun,” Merchant said. 

Robles closed out the Cardinals in the fourth quarter. In just her sophomore season, Aston has handed her the keys to the offense. Robles shot a perfect 3 of 3 in the final period, including two threes, showing exactly why Aston has so much confidence in her young guard.

“She took a chance on me,” Robles said of Aston. “She trusted me enough to lead the team and to just be more vocal. And I’m super grateful for that. I just want to keep stacking.” 

Robles and Merchant’s 15 points each tied for the team lead. Mia Hammonds led UTSA in rebounds (7), and Robles led in assists (4). As a team, the Roadrunners shot 54.4% from the floor and 37.5% from beyond the arc. 

“I just thought we did a lot of things better on both ends of the floor, from an execution standpoint,” Aston said. “So I’m pleased. I think we can build on this and get ready to play next Monday.”